Winning a New Product Award at the UK’s National Pet Industry Event can have a tremendous impact on the fortunes of a PATS exhibitor. It can help turn a new launch into a bestselling item in pet stores around the country and clinch that all-important export deal.

But don’t take our word for it. Here entrepreneur Tracey Voss, MD of pioneering pet product manufacturer Tailor-Grace reveals what the accolade has done for her business.

“I was absolutely thrilled to pick up the New Product Award in the Cat Food and Products category for our eco-friendly compact cat litter Huskaloo at PATS Telford 2021. It was wonderful to put that feather in our cap,” said Tracey.

“To receive that award was icing on the cake for the Huskaloo team. It also proved to be a springboard to our future success, both in the UK and abroad.

“We have been able to use the award to promote the product and that has created interest. We’ve been described in various publications as ‘award-winning’, enhancing our promotion.

“News of the award spread quickly and prompted a key distributor in America to contact us about doing business in the States.”

So why is the New Product Showcase such an important feature of PATS Telford?

“It’s important to enter, not just to win but to be seen,” added Tracey. “The new products at PATS are always displayed in a dedicated showcase area and I know that, when they arrive, buyers go straight there because that section shows them what is new. 

“They can then take notes to visit this stand and that. It is a wonderful award to win but it’s also very important that you enter, not just to win it but also to be seen and showcased. 

“The New Product Award offers a wonderful opportunity for exhibitors like me to be seen. The bonus from the award is because it offers showcase potential.

“For buyers, it’s a fantastic platform see everything that’s new, then target those products and plan their day according to what they’d like to see and who they want to visit.”